William Paul Busch

William P. Busch (Bill)

February 5, 1947 - May 30, 2025

It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of William P. Busch (Bill) on May 30, 2025, at the age of 78. Bill passed away after an extended illness, surrounded by his loving family.

Born on February 5, 1947, in Fort Collins, CO, to Robert H. Busch and Jean (Lowe) Busch, Bill lived most of his life in Northern Colorado, with a brief stint in Eugene, OR, in the early 1970s.

Bill graduated from Fort Collins High School in 1965 and spent two years at Colorado State University. He married Dana Anderson in 1967 and later married Paula Knezevich in 1990.

Bill is survived by his wife, Paula; daughters, Shannon Bernhardson (husband, Cary), Shauna Poquette (husband, Gary), Jamie Meyer; ten grandchildren; and sister, Betty Busch of Corvallis, OR. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers Robert G. Busch and Harold J. Busch, and stepson Todd Meyer.

Bill had a successful career in real estate, including serving as the President of the Colorado Board of Realtors. However, his true passion was the automotive industry, where he worked in parts, auto sales, and finance management. Bill often said he was happiest when working with cars.

He is remembered as a loving and dedicated father, who taught his daughters a love of music and how to dance the Hustle. Bill and Paula enthusiastically followed his daughter Shannon's running career; he attended her meets both locally and throughout the nation accompanied by Paula. He also supported his youngest daughter, Shauna, in her love for the arts, providing late night transportation and encouragement. Jamie bonded with Bill over his love of cars. They particularly enjoyed attending the Barrett Jackson auction together in Scottsdale, AZ. His grandchildren fondly recall the Christmas Eve games that "Papa" invented each year. This included his building a regulation Pinewood Derby racetrack for family competitions.

Bill had an acute sense of humor, even down to his final moments. He'll be remembered for his cleverness and wit, plus a talent for creative revisions of song lyrics. He was an animated storyteller; his vivid descriptions were able to draw the listener in as if they were living that same moment. He also gave the most affectionate hugs and they will be missed.

Bill had an affinity for auto racing and classic cars. He and his wife Paula enjoyed showing his vintage 1982 Subaru Brat at car shows throughout the region and in various Wellington, Colorado holiday parades. They also loved participating in Jeep Jamboree excursions and

toured many parts of the United States with the Rocky Mountain Solstice and Sky Club driving their convertible Saturn Sky.

UPDATE:
A Celebration of Life gathering HAS BEEN RELOCATED to Berthoud Brewing Company Loveland (Next to Loveland LaQuinta Hotel), 1480 Cascade Avenue, #201, Loveland, CO 80538 on Wednesday, June 4th from 2-4pm Please join us to make a toast to Bill and his amazing life.

The family would like to thank the entire Pathways Hospice team for their gracious, compassionate, and loving care. Bill chose to donate his body to science to help others study and cure his disease.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation at http://www.pulmonaryfibrosis.org or Pathways Hospice at https://pathways-care.org